Pakistan have named a potent 15-member squad for their upcoming home white-ball bilateral series against Zimbabwe, starting with a three-match ODI leg from May 4-9 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
All-rounder Fatima Sana continues as captain, with exciting young left-arm spinner Momina Riasat earning her maiden ODI call-up in this crucial ICC Women’s Championship 2025-2029 fixture, part of the buildup to the 10th ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales from June 12 to July 5.
This series marks Zimbabwe’s maiden tour of Pakistan, with the visitors arriving in Karachi on April 29 and sharpening their skills at the National Bank Stadium from April 30 to May 3. The ODIs kick off on May 4, followed by the second and third games on May 6 and 9, before transitioning into a three-match T20I series starting May 12, all at the same venue. For Pakistan, sitting fifth in the Championship table with two points from a gritty victory in the ODI series, despite losing the series against South Africa earlier this year.
Fatima Sana’s leadership will be under the spotlight after Pakistan’s narrow 2-1 defeats to South Africa in both ODIs and T20Is earlier this year. The skipper, known for her explosive all-round prowess, will lean on a balanced unit blending experience and fresh talent. Muneeba Ali and Najiha Alvi provide glovework stability, while the bowling attack, spearheaded by Nashra Sundhu, Diana Baig, and emerging spinner Syeda Aroob Shah, promises variety on Karachi’s typically spin-friendly pitches.
Pakistan women’s ODI squad for Zimbabwe series:
Fatima Sana (C), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali (WK), Najiha Alvi (WK), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubaba
Momina Riasat’s inclusion stands out as the headline grabber. The promising left-arm spinner has torn up domestic circuits, and her call-up signals Pakistan’s youth infusion strategy ahead of the World Cup. With veterans like Sidra Amin (over 2,500 ODI runs) and Nashra Sundhu (150+ International wickets) anchoring the side, this squad blends reliability with ambition.
For Zimbabwe, untested on Pakistani soil, this tour is a steep learning curve against a host side hungry to climb the Championship standings. Pakistan’s recent South Africa battles exposed batting inconsistencies, but home advantage and Sana’s fire could spark a spirited performance. Expect high-voltage cricket under Karachi lights, setting the tone for Pakistan’s World Cup assault.
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